The soccer paywall on Apple TV is finally coming down, marking a significant change in the way fans can access Major League Soccer matches. In a recent revision to the 10-year deal between Apple and MLS, it has been announced that starting in 2026, all MLS matches will be available for streaming on Apple TV at no extra cost to subscribers. This move is part of Apple’s efforts to enhance the value of the Apple TV subscription, which currently is priced at $12.99 per month in the U.S.
Beginning next season, fans from around the world will have the opportunity to watch every regular-season match, the annual Leagues Cup tournament, the MLS All-Star Game, the Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup, the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and more with their Apple TV subscription. This change comes after Apple previously offered the MLS Season Pass for $14.99 per month or $99 for the season, with the standalone subscription set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season.
In addition to providing access to MLS matches without any blackouts, Apple TV will also offer studio shows and on-demand content in over 100 countries and regions. The partnership between Apple and MLS aims to make it easier for fans to watch, connect, and engage with the game on a global scale. MLS commissioner Don Garber expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it is all about innovating for the fans and taking the viewing experience to the next level.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior VP of Services, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to bringing MLS to more fans worldwide. With every match available in one place, alongside Apple Originals and other sports content like MLB’s “Friday Night Baseball” games and Formula 1 races in the U.S., Apple TV is poised to become a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.
The recent inclusion of “Sunday Night Soccer” games on Apple TV without the need for an MLS Season Pass subscription has already proven successful, with over 200 matches simulcast on both platforms in 2025. The increased viewership for these games indicates that Apple TV is driving engagement and attracting a larger audience to MLS matches.
Overall, the decision to remove the paywall for MLS matches on Apple TV signifies a major shift in sports streaming and subscription services. Fans can look forward to a more accessible and inclusive viewing experience, with all the excitement of Major League Soccer at their fingertips.
